Imagine you have a special clock that tells the real time, and it has a secret code that only you and your friends know. This clock is like the Secure Time Service! It makes sure that everyone knows the right time, and nobody can cheat by changing the time on their clock. It's like having a super-secure timekeeper for the whole world!
The Secure Time Service patent introduces a method and apparatus for providing secure and verifiable time synchronization. The core innovation lies in using a time server, including a time source, cryptographic key, and cryptographic engine, to encrypt timestamps. This approach addresses the problem of insecure time protocols that are vulnerable to manipulation and attacks. The system operates by having a time service endpoint receive a timestamp request from a client, transmit the request to the time server, and receive an encrypted timestamp in response. The encrypted timestamp is then transmitted to the client, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the time data. This technology offers significant business value by enhancing the security of distributed systems, protecting against fraud, and enabling a wide range of applications in industries such as finance, healthcare, and blockchain. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for secure time synchronization continues to grow in an increasingly interconnected digital world. The Secure Time Service provides a timely and effective solution, positioning it as a key player in the future of digital security. This patent offers a robust method for generating and distributing trusted time information, mitigating risks associated with manipulated or inaccurate timestamps.
The Secure Time Service patent addresses the problem of ensuring accurate and trustworthy time synchronization in computer systems. Existing solutions, like the Network Time Protocol (NTP), are vulnerable to attacks and manipulation, leading to inaccurate timestamps. This patent provides a method for creating secure and verifiable timestamps, ensuring the integrity of time-sensitive operations.
The Secure Time Service works by using a special time server that includes a time source, a cryptographic key, and a cryptographic engine. The time server encrypts the timestamp using the cryptographic key, making it tamper-proof. When a client requests a timestamp, the time server provides the encrypted timestamp, which the client can then verify. Think of it like a notary public stamping a document. The notary's stamp provides assurance that the document is authentic and has not been altered. Similarly, the encrypted timestamp provides assurance that the time is accurate and has not been tampered with.
This technology matters because it enhances the security and reliability of various applications. For example, in financial transactions, accurate timestamps are crucial for auditing and preventing fraud. In blockchain technology, secure timestamps are essential for maintaining the integrity of the ledger. The Secure Time Service provides a robust solution for these and other time-sensitive applications. The market impact of this technology is significant, as it addresses a fundamental need for security in distributed systems. The competitive advantages include enhanced security, tamper-proof timestamps, and resistance to attacks. The potential ROI is high, as the technology can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and enhance the security of various applications.
Future applications of the Secure Time Service include securing IoT devices, protecting critical infrastructure, and enhancing the security of cloud computing. The market adoption timeline is expected to be gradual, as companies become more aware of the risks associated with insecure time synchronization. The investment implications are favorable, as the technology has the potential to generate significant revenue through licensing and subscription-based services.
Methods and apparatus for a secure time service are disclosed. A time server including a time source, a cryptographic key and a cryptographic engine is instantiated within a provider network. A time service endpoint receives a timestamp request from a client. The endpoint transmits a representation of the request to the time server, and receives, from the time server, an encryption of at least a timestamp generated using the time source. A response comprising the encryption of at least the timestamp is transmitted to the requesting client.
The Secure Time Service patent outlines a system for secure time synchronization using cryptographic techniques. The architecture centers around a time server that includes a time source, a cryptographic key, and a cryptographic engine. The time source provides the initial time data, which is then encrypted using the cryptographic key by the cryptographic engine. This encryption process is crucial for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the timestamp. The system implements a time service endpoint that receives timestamp requests from clients. This endpoint transmits a representation of the request to the time server and, in return, receives the encrypted timestamp. The endpoint then forwards the encrypted timestamp to the requesting client. The integration of this system into existing networks would require careful consideration of network latency and synchronization protocols to maintain accuracy. Performance characteristics would depend on the speed of the cryptographic engine and the network bandwidth. Code-level implications would involve implementing the cryptographic algorithms and managing the secure storage of the cryptographic key. The system is designed to be resilient to various attacks, including man-in-the-middle attacks and time spoofing attempts. The strength of the cryptographic key is a critical factor in the overall security of the system.
The Secure Time Service patent addresses a critical need for secure and verifiable time synchronization in various industries. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for secure time protocols continues to grow in an increasingly interconnected digital world. The competitive advantage of this technology lies in its use of cryptography to ensure the integrity and authenticity of timestamps, offering a significant improvement over existing time synchronization methods, such as NTP, which are vulnerable to manipulation. The revenue potential of this invention is high, as it can be licensed to various industries, including finance, healthcare, and blockchain. Potential business models include licensing the technology to companies that require secure time synchronization, offering a subscription-based service for providing secure timestamps, and integrating the technology into existing security products. The strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a fundamental need for security in distributed systems. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and enhance the security of various applications. The Secure Time Service can be used to timestamp transactions, providing an audit trail that is resistant to tampering. In healthcare, it can ensure the accuracy of medical records, preventing unauthorized modifications. In government, it can be used to secure electronic voting systems, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system, comprising one or more computing devices of a provider network configured to: instantiate, as resources of a network-accessible multi-tenant time service, (a) one or more time servers, wherein each time server of the one or more time servers comprises a cryptographic engine, a time source, and a cryptographic key inaccessible outside a cryptographic boundary within which the cryptographic engine and the time source are located, and (b) one or more time service endpoints, wherein at least one time service endpoint of the one or more time service endpoints is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by the service; receive, at a particular time service endpoint of the one or more time service endpoints, a request for a secure timestamp from a client of the service; transmit, from the particular time service endpoint to a particular time server of the one or more time servers, a representation of at least a portion of the request; receive, at the particular time service endpoint from the particular time server, an encryption, generated by the cryptographic engine using the cryptographic key of the particular time server, of a combination of (a) a data object indicated in the request and (b) a timestamp value generated at least in part using output from the time source; transmit a response comprising the encryption from the particular time service endpoint to the client; and launch, in response to receiving at the particular time service endpoint a request from the client to configure a new time service endpoint, the new time service endpoint.
A system within a provider network offers a secure, multi-tenant time service. It includes: one or more time servers, each having a cryptographic engine, a time source (for accurate time), and a cryptographic key secured within a boundary. It also has one or more time service endpoints that respond to client requests via APIs. A client requests a secure timestamp at an endpoint. The endpoint sends a representation of the request to a time server, which encrypts a combination of data from the request and a timestamp from its time source, using its cryptographic key. The encrypted result is sent back to the client. The system can also launch new time service endpoints upon client request.
2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the one or more computing devices are configured to: receive, at the particular time service endpoint, an instantiation request from a different client for an additional time service endpoint, wherein the additional time service endpoint is to be configured to respond, using one or more components of the time service, at least to a request of a request category indicated by the instantiation request; initiate an instantiation of an additional time service endpoint in accordance with the instantiation request; and in response to a determination that the additional time service endpoint has been instantiated, provide a notification to the different client.
The system described above also allows clients to instantiate additional time service endpoints. A client sends a request to create a new endpoint, specifying the type of requests the new endpoint should handle. The system initiates the creation of this new endpoint and notifies the client when it is ready. The instantiation request is received at a time service endpoint that is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by the service.
3. The system as recited in claim 2 , wherein the instantiation request for the additional time service endpoint includes metadata specified by the different client, and wherein the additional time service endpoint is configured to include, within a response to a request of the request category, at least a portion of the metadata.
Building on the previous description, the client's request to create a new time service endpoint includes custom metadata. The newly created endpoint is configured to include some or all of this client-specified metadata in its responses to requests of a specific category. The instantiation request for the additional time service endpoint is received at a time service endpoint that is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by the service.
4. The system as recited in claim 2 , wherein the additional time service endpoint is configured with a network address of a private network associated with the different client, wherein the private network comprises a plurality of resources of the provider network, and wherein the network address is indicated in the instantiation request.
Expanding on the prior description, the new time service endpoint is configured with a network address that belongs to a private network associated with the client. This private network contains resources within the provider network. The network address of the private network is specified in the client's endpoint creation request. The instantiation request for the additional time service endpoint is received at a time service endpoint that is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by the service.
5. The system as recited in claim 2 , wherein the additional time service endpoint comprises a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server configured in accordance with the instantiation request.
Extending the previous claims, the newly created time service endpoint is configured as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server, based on the client's instantiation request. The instantiation request for the additional time service endpoint is received at a time service endpoint that is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by the service.
6. A method, comprising: instantiating (a) one or more time servers, wherein each time server of the one or more time servers comprises a cryptographic engine, a time source, and a cryptographic key, and (b) one or more time service endpoints, wherein at least one time service endpoint of the one or more time service endpoints is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by a network-accessible multi-tenant time service; receiving, at a particular time service endpoint of the one or more time service endpoints, a request for a timestamp from a client of the service; transmitting, from the particular time service endpoint to a particular time server of the one or more time servers, a representation of at least a portion of the request; receiving, at the particular time service endpoint from the particular time server, an encryption, generated by the cryptographic engine using the cryptographic key of the particular time server, of a combination of (a) a data object indicated in the request and (b) a timestamp value generated at least in part using output from the time source; transmitting a response comprising the encryption from the particular time service endpoint to the client; and launch, in response to receiving at the particular time service endpoint a request from the client to configure a new time service endpoint, the new time service endpoint.
A method for providing a secure, multi-tenant time service: Instantiate one or more time servers, each with a cryptographic engine, a time source, and a cryptographic key, and one or more time service endpoints that respond to API requests. When a client requests a timestamp at an endpoint, the endpoint forwards part of the request to a time server. The time server encrypts a combination of data from the request and a timestamp from its time source, using its key, and sends it back to the endpoint. The endpoint sends the encrypted result to the client. The method can also launch new time service endpoints upon client request.
7. The method as recited in claim 6 , wherein the particular time server is enclosed within a cryptographic boundary, wherein the cryptographic key of the particular time server is inaccessible outside the cryptographic boundary.
In the method described above, each time server is located within a secure cryptographic boundary. The cryptographic key of the time server is inaccessible from outside this boundary, enhancing security. The cryptographic key of the particular time server is inaccessible outside the cryptographic boundary, the time service endpoint is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by the service.
8. The method as recited in claim 7 , further comprising: receiving, via a programmatic interface, a request for documentation describing one or more security protocols associated with the cryptographic boundary; and providing, in response to the request for documentation, at least one document describing a physical security protocol employed to limit physical access to the particular time server.
Expanding on the prior method, a client can request documentation about the security protocols protecting the time server's cryptographic boundary via a programmatic interface. The system responds by providing documents describing the physical security measures that restrict physical access to the time server. The particular time server is enclosed within a cryptographic boundary, wherein the cryptographic key of the particular time server is inaccessible outside the cryptographic boundary.
9. The method as recited in claim 6 , further comprising: receiving an instantiation request from a different client for an additional time service endpoint, wherein the additional time service endpoint is to be configured to respond, using the one or more time servers, to at least a request of a request category indicated in the instantiation request; identifying one or more resources to be used to instantiate the additional time service endpoint; and instantiating the additional time service endpoint using the one or more resources.
Expanding on the prior method, a different client can request the creation of a new time service endpoint. This new endpoint is configured to handle specific types of requests, as indicated in the client's request. The method identifies the necessary resources and instantiates the new endpoint. The one or more time service endpoints is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by a network-accessible multi-tenant time service.
10. The method as recited in claim 9 , wherein the instantiation request for the additional time service endpoint includes metadata specified by the different client, further comprising: configuring the additional time service endpoint to include, within a response to a request of the request category, at least a portion of the metadata.
Building on the previous method, the request to create a new time service endpoint contains metadata specified by the client. The newly created endpoint is configured to include some or all of this metadata in its responses to requests of a particular category. The additional time service endpoint is to be configured to respond, using the one or more time servers, to at least a request of a request category indicated in the instantiation request.
11. The method as recited in claim 9 , further comprising: configuring the additional time service endpoint with a network address of a private network associated with the different client, wherein the private network comprises a plurality of resources of a provider network within which the particular time server is instantiated, and wherein the network address is indicated in the instantiation request.
Extending the previous method, the new time service endpoint is configured with a network address belonging to the client's private network within the provider network. The network address is included in the client's endpoint creation request. The additional time service endpoint is to be configured to respond, using the one or more time servers, to at least a request of a request category indicated in the instantiation request.
12. The method as recited in claim 9 , further comprising: configuring the additional time service endpoint as an Network Time Protocol (NTP) server.
Continuing from the previous method, the newly created time service endpoint is configured as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. The additional time service endpoint is to be configured to respond, using the one or more time servers, to at least a request of a request category indicated in the instantiation request.
13. The method as recited in claim 6 , further comprising: configuring the particular time service endpoint with a network address accessible from the public Internet.
In the described method, a time service endpoint is configured with a network address that is accessible from the public Internet. The one or more time service endpoints is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by a network-accessible multi-tenant time service.
14. The method as recited in claim 6 , further comprising: configuring the particular time service endpoint with a private network address accessible only from a portion of the provider network.
In the described method, a time service endpoint is configured with a private network address that is only accessible from within a portion of the provider network. The one or more time service endpoints is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by a network-accessible multi-tenant time service.
15. The method as recited in claim 6 , wherein the data object comprises a cryptographic nonce generated by the client.
In the described method, the data object that is combined with the timestamp for encryption is a cryptographic nonce generated by the client. The one or more time service endpoints is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by a network-accessible multi-tenant time service.
16. The method as recited in claim 6 , further comprising: storing, at the particular time server, an audit record indicative of the particular time server receiving the representation of the at least a portion of the request; and transmitting, via a secure communication protocol, the audit record to one or more persistent storage devices from the particular time server.
Continuing with the described method, the time server stores an audit record indicating that it received a request. This audit record is then securely transmitted to persistent storage devices. The one or more time service endpoints is configured to respond to requests formatted according to one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) supported by a network-accessible multi-tenant time service.
17. The method as recited in claim 6 , wherein said instantiating one or more time servers comprises instantiating a plurality of time servers within a provider network, wherein the provider network is organized into a plurality of availability containers with respective availability profiles, wherein each availability container of the plurality of availability containers comprises at least a portion of a data center of a plurality of data centers of the provider network, further comprising: determining a number of time servers to be instantiated, and a mapping of the time servers to one or more data centers of the plurality of data centers, based at least in part on an availability goal of the network-accessible multi-tenant time service.
When instantiating the time servers, the method involves deploying multiple time servers across different data centers (availability containers) within the provider network, which have different availability profiles. The number of time servers and their mapping to data centers are determined based on the desired availability level for the time service. Each time server of the one or more time servers comprises a cryptographic engine, a time source, and a cryptographic key.
18. The method as recited in claim 6 , further comprising: implementing one or more programmatic pricing interfaces enabling the client to select from among a plurality of pricing policies to determine a billing amounts for generating the response to the request for the timestamp, wherein the plurality of pricing policies includes one or more of: (a) a per-timestamp pricing policy, (b) a per-API-call pricing policy, (c) a tiered pricing policy defining respective pricing policies for each of a plurality of usage tiers, (d) a reservation-based pricing policy associated with reserving the particular time server, or (e) a dynamic pricing policy based on supply and demand of one or more resources of the time service; and providing, to the client, an indication of a billing amount associated with generating the response, based at least in part on a selection by the client of a pricing policy of the plurality of pricing policies via a pricing interface of the one or more programmatic pricing interfaces.
The method includes programmatic pricing interfaces that allow the client to choose from various pricing policies for timestamp generation. These policies include per-timestamp pricing, per-API-call pricing, tiered pricing, reservation-based pricing, and dynamic pricing based on resource supply and demand. The client is informed of the billing amount based on their chosen pricing policy. Each time server of the one or more time servers comprises a cryptographic engine, a time source, and a cryptographic key.
19. A non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium storing program instructions that when executed on one or more processors implement an endpoint of a time service implemented using resources of a provider network, wherein the endpoint is configured to: implement one or more programming interfaces defined by the time service; receive, via a particular programmatic interface of the one or more programmatic interface, a request for a timestamp from a client of the service; transmit, to a particular time server of one or more time servers of the time service, a representation of at least a portion of the request, wherein the particular time server comprises a cryptographic engine, a time source, and a cryptographic key; receive a response to the request from the particular time server, wherein the response comprises an encryption, generated by the cryptographic engine using the cryptographic key of the particular time server, of a combination of (a) a data object indicated in the request and (b) a timestamp value generated at least in part using output from the time source; transmit the response to the client; and launch, in response to receiving at the endpoint a request from the client to configure a new endpoint of the time service, the new endpoint.
A non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium stores instructions for implementing a time service endpoint. The endpoint exposes time service APIs, receives timestamp requests from clients, and forwards a representation of the request to a time server (containing a cryptographic engine, time source, and key). The endpoint receives an encrypted timestamp (generated using the server's key and a combination of client data and a timestamp) and sends it back to the client. The endpoint can also launch new endpoints upon request.
20. The non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium as recited in claim 19 , wherein the endpoint is configured to: receive an instantiation request from a different client for an additional endpoint, wherein the additional endpoint is to be configured to respond to a request of a request category indicated in the instantiation request; initiate an instantiation of the additional endpoint; and in response to a determination that the additional endpoint has been instantiated, provide a notification to the different client.
The storage medium described above also enables the endpoint to handle requests from different clients to create new endpoints. The endpoint initiates the creation of the new endpoint and notifies the client when it is ready. The additional endpoint is to be configured to respond to a request of a request category indicated in the instantiation request; the endpoint is configured to implement one or more programming interfaces defined by the time service.
21. The non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium as recited in claim 20 , wherein the endpoint is configured to: configure the additional endpoint with a network address of a private network associated with the different client, wherein the private network comprises a plurality of resources of a provider network within which the particular time server is instantiated, and wherein the network address is indicated in the instantiation request.
Continuing from the previous claim, the storage medium configures the additional endpoint with a network address belonging to the client's private network within the provider network. The network address is indicated in the client's instantiation request. The additional endpoint is to be configured to respond to a request of a request category indicated in the instantiation request; the endpoint is configured to implement one or more programming interfaces defined by the time service.
22. The non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium as recited in claim 20 , wherein the endpoint is configured to: initiate a configuration of the additional endpoint as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server.
Further extending the prior claims, the storage medium configures the additional endpoint as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. The additional endpoint is to be configured to respond to a request of a request category indicated in the instantiation request; the endpoint is configured to implement one or more programming interfaces defined by the time service.
23. A non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium storing program instructions that when executed on one or more processors of a time server: receive, from an endpoint of a time service implemented using resources of a provider network, a representation of a client request for a timestamp; obtain a timestamp from a time source of the time server; generate an encryption of a combination of (a) a data object indicated in the request and (b) the timestamp, using a unique cryptographic key assigned to the time server and inaccessible outside a cryptographic boundary in which the time server is instantiated; provide the encryption to the endpoint; and launch, in response to receiving at the endpoint a request from a client to configure a new time server, the new time server.
A non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium contains instructions for a time server. The server receives a timestamp request representation from a time service endpoint. It obtains a timestamp from its time source and encrypts a combination of client-provided data and the timestamp using its unique cryptographic key, which is inaccessible outside its cryptographic boundary. The encryption is sent back to the endpoint. It can also launch a new time server, in response to a request from a client received at the endpoint.
24. The non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium as recited in claim 23 , wherein the time source comprises at least one of: (a) a rubidium atomic clock or (b) a cesium atomic clock.
In the storage medium described above, the time source used by the time server is either a rubidium atomic clock or a cesium atomic clock, providing high accuracy. The time server receives, from an endpoint of a time service implemented using resources of a provider network, a representation of a client request for a timestamp; obtain a timestamp from a time source of the time server; generate an encryption of a combination of (a) a data object indicated in the request and (b) the timestamp, using a unique cryptographic key assigned to the time server and inaccessible outside a cryptographic boundary in which the time server is instantiated; provide the encryption to the endpoint.
[HOOK] Ever wonder if the time on your phone is REALLY right? (5s)
[PROBLEM] Most systems use old, insecure ways to keep time. This means hackers can mess with the time and cause problems! (15s)
[SOLUTION] The Secure Time Service patent uses secret codes to make sure the time is always right and nobody can change it. It's like a super-secure clock for the internet! (30s)
[CTA] Learn more about how Secure Time Service is changing the future of security! Visit our site! (10s)
[HOOK 1] Ever wonder if the time on your computer is REALLY accurate? [HOOK 2] What if your timestamps could be hacked? [HOOK 3] Tired of unreliable time synchronization?
[PROBLEM] Most systems rely on outdated, insecure time protocols. This can lead to all sorts of problems, from messed up transactions to security breaches.
[SOLUTION] The Secure Time Service patent solves this! It uses cryptography to create tamper-proof timestamps. This means you can trust the time, no matter what.
[CTA] Learn more about Secure Time Service and how it's changing the game at patentable.app! #SecureTime #Cryptography #Innovation
[INTRO - HOOK 1] Did you know that time synchronization is a HUGE security risk? The Secure Time Service fixes that! [INTRO - HOOK 2] Secure Time Service: The future of time is here!
[CONTEXT] In today's digital world, accurate time is crucial. But traditional time protocols are vulnerable to attack.
[INNOVATION] The Secure Time Service uses cryptography to ensure tamper-proof timestamps. It's a game-changer for security and reliability.
[IMPACT] This technology will revolutionize industries like finance, healthcare, and blockchain. Imagine a world with truly secure time!
[CLOSING] Secure Time Service is the future. Learn more at patentable.app! #SecureTime #Cryptography #Patent
[VISUAL HOOK] Show a ticking clock with digital code overlayed.
[PROBLEM] Time is money, but what if your time isn't accurate or secure?
[SOLUTION] Secure Time Service uses advanced cryptography to create a verifiable, tamper-proof time source. This protects transactions, secures data, and ensures trust.
[CTA] Link in bio for full Secure Time Service details! #SecureTime #Cryptography #Innovation
Secure Time Service: Cryptographically Secured Time
Secure Time Service: System Architecture Diagram
Secure Time Service: Abstract Visualization
Secure Time Service: Comparison Chart
Secure Time Service: Social Media Card
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
April 19, 2013
December 26, 2017
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